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Cruises to Esperance

Australia

Esperance

In this wonderfully remote
western Australian town,
experience nature at its most
diverse and pristine, from
untouched bushland to Australia's
whitest beaches - where even
kangaroos love to sunbake.

Esperance is French for hope and it’s the French
that are credited with Esperance’s discovery.
The town was named after L’Espérance, one of
two French ships that anchored at Observatory
Point sheltering from a storm. The Archipelago
was named the Recherche after the second
ship. A decade later, Matthew Flinders sailed the
glorious waters of the Bay of Isles, discovering
and naming gems such as Thistle Cove and Lucky
Bay - Australia’s whitest beach. Whalers, sealers
and pirates followed, as did pastoralists and
miners, keen to cash in on free land and a gold
boom at Kalgoorlie, to the north. Today, tourism,
agriculture and fishing steer this stunning coastal
community’s economy.

Must See

Condingup Beaches and Country pub

What To See

Cape Le Grand National Park

From silky, squeaky sand (it really does squeak) and imposing granite
peaks, to dazzling ocean as far as the eye can see, it’s little wonder Cape
Le Grand National Park is one of Western Australia’s best known and
most spectacular national parks. Make a point to visit Hellfire Bay, which
despite its name, is one of the most beautiful spots in the park.

Recherche Archipelago

The 100-plus untouched islands that make up this stunning archipelago
off the coast of Esperance are home to an amazing diversity of wildlife.
See majestic white-breasted sea eagles soar, colonies of Australian
sea lions and New Zealand fur seals unwind on rocky outcrops and
bottlenose dolphins at play.

Great Ocean Drive

Breathtaking coastal imagery is broken up by fascinating landmarks
on this beautiful 40-kilometre round trip from Esperance. The drive
meanders past one of Australia’s best beaches, Twilight Beach. The
Rotary Lookout offers a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Esperance and
the Recherche Archipelago, and there’s a touch of history too -
Observatory Point is where the two French frigates, L’Espérance
and the Recherche, sheltered from a storm, before going on to explore
the region.

More About Esperance

DOCKING

Your ship will anchor offshore and a regular tender service will
operate to and from Taylor Street Wharf.

GETTING AROUND

Esperance's town centre and beachfront is within short
walking distance.

TAXIS

A taxi rank is located near the post office in Andrew Street.

DINING

Esperance offers food and beverage outlets to cater for
every taste - from casual family restaurants to cafes, coffee
specialists, bakeries and takeaways.

Quarantine authorities do not allow food such as fruit
and vegetables, dairy and meat products and sandwiches
to be taken off the ship however commercially packaged
confectionery, chips and bottled drinking water are allowed,
subject to inspection.

SHOPPING

There are a number of shops in Esperance including boutiques,
gift and craft stores, which are all within walking distance. For
a souvenir you won't find anywhere else, visit Australia’s only
specialist fish and shark leather tannery, Mermaid Leather on
Woods Street, where you can buy unique handbags, wallets
and accessories made from fish and shark leather.

CLIMATE

Esperance enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm to hot,
dry summers and cool, wet winters. Daily temperatures range
from 22 to 23 degrees in summer and 13 to 15 degrees
in winter.

CREDIT CARDS

COMMUNICATION

Public telephones are available at the post office square.
Mobile coverage is generally available as long as global
roaming is selected prior to leaving home (where applicable).
Free wi-fi is available at Taylor Street Bar and Café adjacent
to the Taylor Street Jetty, at Dôme Café on Andrew Street,
at Target in the Esperance Boulevard shopping centre, the
Esperance French Hot Bread Shop (opposite the post office)
and McDonalds on Dempster Street and Jax Snax on James
Street.

WHAT TO WEAR ASHORE

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, please wear
comfortable flat soled shoes, lightweight clothing and a hat.
You are also advised to bring sunscreen and bottled water.

SHORE TOURS

There are a range of Shore Tours available to really get the
most out of your time at Esperance. Shore Tours can be
booked onboard at the Shore Tours desk and are subject to
availability. Guests are required to meet at a specific location
for each Shore Tour departure. Please refer to your Shore Tour
ticket for the correct time and place.

This was my first cruise and I wasn't sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the choice of activities onboard. I loved the room we stayed in and I loved the friendly staff. It think I have just found my perfect type of holiday and I will return (with friends!).

Helen,
First Time Cruiser,

Did You Know?

In 1979, parts of Skylab, the first US crewed
orbiting scientific space station, crashed in
Esperance after the craft broke up over the
Indian Ocean. You can find these parts on
display at the Esperance Museum.